OFFSHORE OPPORTUNITIES BEING DEVELOPED FOR OR, WA PRODUCERS

Officials from Oregon and Washington are working on an upcoming joint trade mission to expand export opportunities for Northwest potatoes. "We are conducting a trade mission to the Philippines and Vietnam with the directors of Agriculture from both Oregon and WashingtonState planned for November," said Bill Brewer, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission. "OPC will be conducting this mission jointly with the Washington State Potato Commission."

Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, said export markets present the state's fresh producers with important market destinations. "Most of our fresh potatoes are kept here in the U.S.," he stated. "About 20 percent of our fresh potatoes are export. About half of that are fresh potatoes shipped to Asia for processing into potato chips."

Canada is Washington's largest export market for fresh potatoes. "Washington has a built-in advantage of having nearby access to critical seaports located within our own backyard. This close proximity allows access to critical markets throughout Asia and Central America," he added.